I stopped into the latest addition to the newly reopened Fayetteville Street, The Big Easy, tonight after having dinner at another location, my very own ”third place.” (EDITORIAL NOTE: If you don’t have a third place of your own, please go get one… seriously… you need it and you will reap many benefits… go on… go… just don’t take my seat at mine… dagnabbit…) My purpose was really just to check out the space, but the deep, surprisingly spacious restaurant possesses an inviting enough atmosphere that I sat my ass down at the lengthy bar and had a beer. Then (after meeting the lovely and intelligent Rob and Mollie, who were also sitting at the bar) I asked the bartender to suggest something off the menu for someone who wasn’t really hungry but wanted to have a taste of what they have to offer. He (who turned out to be one of the three owners) suggested the Louisiana Pretzel and without even glancing back down at the menu I agreed.
Wow, what a great suggestion. Because I didn’t make that fateful glance at the menu, I really couldn’t tell you all the ingredients, but my best guess is a large pretzel (similar to Auntie Annie’s) topped with a spicy crab topping for which my mouth is still watering. Yum. Good stuff. Huge taste. While I am not ready to give the place my full Raleighing seal of approval, I can certainly tell you I will be back for a full trial run.
Another highlight of the evening was the meeting of Yancy (of Yancy’s Jazz) on the way out of The Big Easy. He is definitely one of Raleigh’s most interesting and original personalities. I had an absolutely fabulous conversation with him that was not only entertaining (of course as his delivery of thought has the kind of flair I only dream of someday mustering) but very inspirational and life confirming. Certainly was a lucky ending to a peaceful, enjoyable night. Yancy’s new location on Fayetteville Street will be opening by the end of the month and I am looking forward to giving it a try. Dana and I were given a tour of the unfinished space about a month ago and my impressions were that it was going to be quite a large and impressive venue. I’m certainly interested in exactly how they will finish it off, but my guess is that it will be very impressive at first glance. Here’s to hoping the food is just as impressive as I personally wish Yancy and his Project Manager, Mark, all the best. Good people from my lowly vantage point.
As frustrating as Raleigh and Raleighans (yes, me included) can be from time-to-time, this is such a fun time to be here, don’t you think? This site nearly writes itself these days… Ok, a serious exaggeration, but hey, nice thought eh?
P.S. Everything I write above is 100% tainted by the wonderful fact that the old Comet Lounge neon sign now lives on at The Big Easy. Ah, the memories…. Le Comet!
